The industry has benefited from state and federal renewable energy policies over the past five years. For this reason, industry research firm IBISWorld has updated a report on Wind Turbine Manufacturing.

The federal renewable energy production tax credit (PTC) subsidizes energy producers based on the amount of renewable energy they generate.

The federal renewable energy production tax credit (PTC) subsidizes energy producers based on the amount of renewable energy they generate. This has led to an increase in new wind power capacity since 2011, with an expansion in total wind capacity expected over the five years to 2016. As a result, industry revenue is expected to rise at an annualized rate of 0.8% to $10.5 billion over the five years to 2016.

The industry’s relatively stagnant overall growth rate masks significant turbulence. The PTC, which has been the primary driver of industry demand, is subject to short-term extensions and lapsed in 2013. Consequently, revenue declined an estimated 84.4% from a 2012 peak of $17.8 billion. According to IBISWorld Industry Analyst Devin McGinley, “High volatility has led to consolidation in the industry, as larger and more diversified companies are better able to withstand the boom and bust years caused by uncertainty in federal policy.”

After the PTC lapsed again in 2015, Congress passed an extension and phase out of the credit. This is expected to cause a short-term surge in demand from utilities before industry revenue experiences sharp declines. Overall, over the five years to 2021, industry revenue is projected to decrease. However, the industry will retain significant growth potential, as the wind sector is expected to emerge from the period increasingly viable against alternative sources of energy.